Devdutt Padikkal Breaks Cheteshwar Pujara’s Record With 167 in Galle Test

Devdutt Padikkal delivered a sensational performance for India in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, scoring a magnificent 167 runs and rewriting the record books. The left-handed batter grabbed his opportunity at No. 3 after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series due to injury.

Padikkal’s marathon innings not only strengthened India’s position in the Test but also saw him surpass Cheteshwar Pujara’s previous record for the highest individual score by an Indian batter at No. 3 against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka.

Devdutt Padikkal Breaks Pujara’s Record in Galle

Padikkal reached his century on August 15 before continuing his impressive innings into the second day. He eventually brought up a remarkable 167 runs off 215 balls, producing a knock filled with patience and controlled strokeplay.

Before Padikkal’s effort, Pujara held the record with his 153-run innings in Galle in 2017. Padikkal’s 167 moved him to the top of the list and gave India another memorable batting performance in Sri Lankan conditions.

India’s highest scores at No. 3 vs Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka

• 167 – Devdutt Padikkal, Galle, 2026
• 153 – Cheteshwar Pujara, Galle, 2017
• 133 – Cheteshwar Pujara, Colombo (SSC), 2017

Padikkal Creates Multiple Records With His 167

The Karnataka batter’s performance carried significance beyond Pujara’s record. Padikkal became the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day, August 15.

His 167 also made him one of only four Indian batters to score more than 150 in a Test innings at Galle, joining Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara in the elite list.

Padikkal’s century also ended India’s long wait for a Test hundred from the No. 3 position, making his performance even more significant for the team’s top order.

Padikkal Makes Strong Case for No. 3 Spot

Padikkal was not initially expected to feature in the playing XI for the Galle Test. He entered the team after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out of the series with an injury.

Rather than simply filling the vacant position, Padikkal turned the opportunity into a statement performance. His ability to bat for a long period and build a substantial partnership highlighted his value as a potential long-term option in India’s Test middle order.

India Take Control in Galle Test

India began the Test strongly after captain Shubman Gill elected to bat. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul provided a steady start before Padikkal joined Rahul at the crease.

Padikkal and Rahul produced an important partnership that helped India establish control. Rahul eventually scored 82, while Rishabh Pant contributed a useful 39.

With Padikkal leading the way and support from Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja, India moved to 376/5, putting themselves in a strong position to build a substantial first-innings total.

Why Padikkal’s Knock Matters for India

Padikkal’s 167 is significant not only because of the records it broke but also because it came in challenging overseas conditions. His innings demonstrated patience, concentration and the ability to convert a start into a major Test score.

With India’s No. 3 position having lacked a century for a considerable period, Padikkal’s performance could give the team management another strong option for the position in future Test assignments.

For now, his record-breaking knock has given India a major advantage in Galle while adding another memorable chapter to the history of Indian Test cricket.